Jacksonville Landing shooting

Jacksonville Landing shooting
	; The Jacksonville Landing, where the shooting took place (photo from 2016)
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Location	Jacksonville Landing, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
Date	August 26, 2018; approx 1:30 p.m. (EDT)
Weapons	.45 caliber and 9 mm handguns, one with a laser sight
Deaths	3 (including the perpetrator)
Non-fatal injuries	11 (10 by gunfire)
Perpetrator	David Katz

The Jacksonville Landing shooting was a mass shooting that occurred at a video game tournament in Jacksonville Landing, Jacksonville, Florida, on August 26, 2018, at about 1:30 pm (EDT). A lone gunman, David Katz, shot and killed two people and injured another ten before committing suicide.^[2]^[5]The event has also been referred to as the Jacksonville shooting.^[4]^[6]^[7]

Shooting[edit]

The GLHF (Good Luck Have Fun) Game Bar, a video game venue in the Jacksonville Landing indoor marketplace, hosted a Madden NFL 19 video gaming tournament on August 26, 2018, with around 130 - 150 participants and onlookers.^[8] After Katz lost a game, he refused to shake the hand of the winner and left the tournament. Soon after, he returned with a gun and fired 12 shots,^[9] killing two people and wounding ten others, before committing suicide. Two more sustained injuries while fleeing.^[10]^[11]^[4] Gunfire was first reported on social media at 1:34 pm EDT by tournament participants.^[12]^[13] Katz was the only suspect^[2] and brought two handguns and extra ammunition into the event.^[14] The event's Twitch stream recorded footage of the shooting, which was later uploaded to YouTube.^[15]

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office urged individuals to stay away from the location at 2:13 p.m. EDT, and SWAT officers evacuated and searched the area.^[16] First responders arrived on the scene within two minutes of the first 911 call, and arrived at 1:36 pm EDT.^[17] The president of the firefighters union told reporters that they were training in the area when victims had run up to them for help.^[18] Due to the location being next to the St. Johns River, the Coast Guard was called in to sweep the surrounding waterways.^[11]

Victims[edit]

Fatalities[edit]

Elijah Clayton, age 22, from Woodland Hills, California, was a professional gamer known by the aliases "True" and "Trueboy".^[19]^[20] He had reportedly made a last-minute decision to attend the Jacksonville tournament.^[21] A video circulating on social media after the shooting appeared to show a red dot on Clayton's chest from the laser sight on Katz's handgun.^[19]

Taylor Robertson, age 27, from Ballard, West Virginia, was a professional gamer known by the alias "SpotMePlzzz".^[22]

Non-fatal injuries[edit]

Eleven people were taken to hospitals for treatment of their injuries. Some of the injured had been able to leave the bar and sought assistance from first responders.^[23] Two others had driven themselves to the emergency department.^[2] Of those injured ten individuals were wounded by gunshot wounds and one person was injured attempting to flee from the location.^[24]The day after the incident Memorial Hospital released a statement that one individual had minor injuries, and three were in good condition, and UF Health announced that four victims had been released, with two still admitted.^[25]

Perpetrator[edit]

The shooter, David Katz, was a 24-year-old professional Madden-player from Baltimore, Maryland, who had been attending the Jacksonville tournament as a participant.^[26] Katz had lost a few rounds in the competition, which prevented him from reaching the finals. Fellow competitors reported that he had been acting weird and refused to shake hands with them after losing the competition.^[27] His pseudonyms included "Bread", "mrslicedbread", "RavensChamp", and "ravens2012champ".^[26]^[28] He had previously won $10,000 in a 2017 Madden Tournament. Katz had a history of mental illness and was prescribed anti-psychotic medicine, court records revealed.^[29]

Investigation[edit]

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office used Twitter to announce that there were fatalities at the scene at 2:45 p.m. EDT,^[30] and that one suspect was dead at the scene at 2:53 p.m. EDT.^[31] Initially, it was unknown whether there were additional gunmen,^[32]but later, officials confirmed that there was only one suspect in the shooting.^[33] He was armed with a .45 caliber handgun and a 9mm handgun, with the Sheriffs Office stating that one of the weapons was equipped with an aftermarket laser sight attached to the trigger guard.^[14] The weapons had been stored in his vehicle, and purchased legally in Baltimore, Maryland.^[13]

The Sheriff's Office issued an update at 7:37 p.m. EDT, indicating that the FBI were involved in the investigation, and that there was coordination with officers in the suspect's hometown, Baltimore, Maryland. Police and federal agents visited a house in South Baltimore, which was identified as Katz's father's home.^[26]^[34] They added that updates would be posted on their Twitter account.^[2] Electronic Arts, who published Madden NFL 19 and had approved the competition, cooperated with the investigations.^[2]

The Sheriff's Office reported that the incident is being investigated as a criminal act and not as an act of terrorism.^[12]

Response[edit]

Participants and sponsors of participants took to social media to express safety, injuries, and recollections of the incident.^[35]Electronic Arts released a statement saying their "most heartfelt sympathies" went out to the families of the victims and those who were injured and that their focus was on those affected and aiding law enforcement.^[36] The publisher would later cancel the three remaining Madden Classic qualifier tournaments in order to reevaluate safety protocols for future live events.^[37]

Organizers of several video game-based exhibitions, including PAX, Game Developers Conference and Electronic Entertainment Expo, as well as other esports tournament such as the League of Legends Championship Series and Evolution Championship Series (EVO) announced that they would take additional security measures at their upcoming events to protect the safety of their exhibitors and attendees in wake of the shooting.^[38]

The BBC initial coverage of the shooting compared it to other shootings in the state of Florida, including the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting and the Orlando nightclub shooting.^[2] As the incident occurred 54 hours before the state polls closed in the gubernatorial primary elections, the political and gun law ramifications became political talking points.^[6]

U.S. President Donald Trump contacted Florida Governor Rick Scott, offering federal assistance in response to the shooting.^[39]

Memorials and tributes[edit]

Video game developer Bungie issued a statement that all its "Bungie and Destiny channels" would observe a day of silence in memory of the victims on August 27, 2018.^[40] Bethesda, a major video game publisher, also issued its condolences, stating that they will "support efforts from the @EA family however [they] can."^[41] OpTic Gaming announced shortly after that they will be holding a charity livestream on Friday, August 31, 2018, with all proceeds going towards the families of the victims.^[42]^[43]

References[edit]

Jump up

[1] "What we know about David Katz, the alleged Jacksonville shooting gunman from Maryland". Archived from the original on August 27, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2018.

[2] Jump up to:a b c d e f g "Jacksonville shooting: Two killed at video game tournament". BBC. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved August 26, 2018.

[3] Jump up^ "Shooting at Jacksonville, Florida, gaming tournament leaves 3 dead, including gunman". Archived from the original on August 27, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2018.

[4] Jump up to:a b c Francis, Nathan (August 26, 2018). "David Katz Identified As Jacksonville Shooting Suspect, Report Claims He Opened Fire After Losing Game". Inquisitr.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved August 26, 2018.

[5] Jump up^ Levenson, Eric; Stapleton, AnneClaire. "Multiple fatalities in shooting at video game tournament in Jacksonville, Florida, authorities say". CNN. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved August 26, 2018.

[6] Jump up to:a b Call, James. "Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidates blame GOP inaction for Jacksonville shooting". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved August 27, 2018.

[7] Jump up^ "Jacksonville Shooting: Suspect took his own life". BBC. Retrieved August 27, 2018.

[8] Jump up^ Chen, Ashley Harding, Crystal. "Crime scene gives way to memorial as Jacksonville Landing set..."www.news4jax.com. Retrieved 2018-08-28.

[9] Jump up^ Garcia, Sandra E. (August 26, 2018). "Multiple Fatalities in Shooting at Jacksonville, Fla., Gaming Tournament, Police Say". The New York Times (August 26, 2018). Archivedfrom the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved August 26,2018.

[10] Jump up^ "Sheriff Mike Williams Speaks on Shooting At Jacksonville Landing". Facebook. August 26, 2018. Archived from the original on August 27, 2018.

[11] Jump up to:a b Davidson, Tom (August 26, 2018). "'Four' people dead in mass shooting at video game tournament in restaurant". Mirror. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved August 26, 2018.

[12] Jump up to:a b Lam, Katherine (August 26, 2018). "Gunman at Jacksonville Landing gaming event kills 2 before killing himself, investigators say". Fox News. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2018.

[13] Jump up to:a b "Jacksonville Shooting: Victims were specifically targeted". 6abc Philadelphia. 2018-08-26. Retrieved 2018-08-28.

[14] Jump up to:a b Darrah, Nicole (2018-08-27). "Jacksonville gaming tournament shooter had been hospitalized for mental illness, documents show". Fox News. Retrieved 2018-08-27.

[15] Jump up^ Cranely, Ellen (August 26, 2018). "Three dead, including gunman, after mass shooting at Madden video game tournament in Jacksonville, Florida". Business Insider. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2018.

[16] Jump up^ Garza, Lisa Maria. "Suspect dead, 'multiple fatalities' in mass shooting at Jacksonville Landing: sheriff's office". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved August 26, 2018.

[17] Jump up^ "How the Jacksonville shooting unfolded: Terror inside a room, agony streamed online". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2018-08-27.

[18] Jump up^ Patrick, Vic Micolucci, Ethan Calloway, Jim Piggott, Roxy Tyler, Steve. "Gunman among 3 dead in mass shooting at Jacksonville Landing". news4jax.com. Archived from the original on August 27, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2018.

[19] Jump up to:a b "Here are the victims of the Jacksonville mass shooting". miamiherald. Retrieved August 27, 2018.

[20] Jump up^ Reyes-Velarde, Alejandra. "Jacksonville shooting victim Elijah Clayton was a skilled football player on the field and online". latimes.com. Archived from the original on August 27, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2018.

[21] Jump up^ "Eli "Trueboy" Clayton: a tribute to the Madden shooting victim". Heavy.com. Archived from the original on August 27, 2018.

[22] Jump up^ "Florida shooting: Video gamers killed by rival at tournament". BBC News.

[23] Jump up^ CNN, Eric Levenson, AnneClaire Stapleton and Darran Simon,. "Gunfire ravages Madden gaming contest, killing 2 people. No one knows why". CNN. Archived from the original on August 27, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2018.

[24] Jump up^ CNN, Eric Levenson, AnneClaire Stapleton and Holly Yan,. "Jacksonville shooting suspect specifically targeted fellow Madden gamers". CNN. Retrieved 2018-08-28.

[25] Jump up^ "Hospital releases names of Jacksonville Landing shooting victims". WTLV. Retrieved 2018-08-28.

[26] Jump up to:a b c Santiago, Ellyn; Cleary, Tom (August 26, 2018). "David Katz: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know". Heavy.com. Archived from the original on August 27, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2018. Katz has used the names Bread, mrslicedbread, ravenschamp and ravens2012champ in Madden competitions.

[27] Jump up^ Luscombe, Richard; Quinn, Ben (2018-08-27). "'No one deserves to die over a video game': survivors recall chaos of Florida shooting". the Guardian. Retrieved 2018-08-28.

[28] Jump up^ "'Madden NFL 19' Tournament Shooting Suspect Identified, 3 People Dead". TMZ. August 26, 2018. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2018. Cops say he used one handgun that they know of. Katz was indeed part of the competition, having gone by usernames like RavensChamp and Bread.

[29] Jump up^ "Florida shooting suspect had history of mental illness, court records show". independent.co.uk. August 27, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2018.

[30] Jump up^ "Jax Sheriff's Office on Twitter". Twitter. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved August 26, 2018.

[31] Jump up^ Jax Sheriff's Office (August 26, 2018). "Jax Sheriff's Office on Twitter". Twitter. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved August 26, 2018.

[32] Jump up^ Horton, Alex; Cleve R. Wootson Jr. (August 26, 2018). "Multiple fatalities in 'mass shooting' in Jacksonville, Fla. mall; suspect dead, authorities say". The Washington Post.

[33] Jump up^ Wagner, Meg (August 26, 2018). "Deadly shooting at Madden 19 Tournament in Jacksonville, Florida". CNN. Retrieved August 26, 2018.

[34] Jump up^ Darrah, Nicole (August 27, 2018). "FBI swarms family home of Jacksonville Landing gunman David Katz". Fox News. Archived from the original on August 27, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2018.

[35] Jump up^ Lam, Katherine (August 26, 2018). "Jacksonville Landing mass shooting leaves 'multiple fatalities,' suspect dead: police". Fox News. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved August 26, 2018.

[36] Jump up^ "Mass Shooting At Madden Tournament In Jacksonville, FL - Game Informer". Game Informer. Retrieved August 27,2018.

[37] Jump up^ Alexander, Julia (August 27, 2018). "EA cancels remaining Madden Classic qualifiers in wake of Jacksonville shooting". Polygon. Vox Media. Retrieved August 27, 2018.

[38] Jump up^ Campbell, Colin (August 28, 2018). "E3, GDC and esports organizers respond to security concerns following Jacksonville shootings". Polygon. Retrieved August 29,2018.

[39] Jump up^ Press, Associated. "President Trump calls Florida governor after mass shooting at Jacksonville Landing". The Florida Times. Archived from the original on August 27, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2018.

[40] Jump up^ "Bungie on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved August 27, 2018.

[41] Jump up^ "Bethesda on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved August 27,2018.

[42] Jump up^ "OpTic Gaming™ on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2018-08-29.

[43] Jump up^ "OpTic Gaming Announces Madden Charity Stream to Support Families Impacted by Jacksonville Mass Shooting". Dexerto. Retrieved 2018-08-29.

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Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Jacksonville Video Game Tournament Mass Shooting